Healthy forests, clean water for a healthy life

On the occasion of 21 March International Day of Forests, Forest Week and 22 March World Water Day, the TEMA Foundation once again stated that forest and water assets should be protected so that humans and all living things in nature can continue their lives in a healthy way and become resilient to drought due to the climate crisis.

In order to draw attention to the importance of forests in terms of life and human health, the United Nations (UN) has determined the theme of 21 March International Day of Forests and Forest Week as "Healthy Forests for Healthy People."

Forests offer various ecosystem services such as water production, climate regulation, protecting biodiversity, preventing erosion and cleaning the air. Noting that forests are indispensable natural assets for human health and well-being, Ms. Deniz Ataç, Chairperson of Board of Directors of the TEMA Foundation, said, “Forests act as a buffer against exposure to heat and extreme weather events caused by climate change. Trees in the city have the effect of filtering particles such as dust, dirt and smoke by absorbing polluting gases from traffic and industry, thus protecting the population in the city from respiratory diseases. In addition, spending time in the forest has effects that reduce stress, depression, anxiety and tension. In addition, the drugs used in the treatment of numerous diseases, especially cancer, are obtained from plants in the forest.”

Forest degradation threatens the life of all living things

Reminding that the pressures on forest assets increase the risk of exposure to diseases, Ms. Deniz Ataç said, “Research shows that more than 30% of the diseases reported since 1960 are due to the destruction of natural areas, especially forests. Forests are vital not only for human health and well-being, but also for all living things in our home, namely the world. In addition to its rich plant species diversity, forests are home to 80% of reptiles, 75% of bird species and 68% of mammals. The destructions cause the habitats of the species to shrink and fragment, and as a result, their habitats are destroyed. Deforestation is one of the most important causes of species loss in biodiversity. On our planet, where 10 million hectares of forest are still destroyed every year, if we do not stop this process, we may have to face worse scenarios due to extreme weather events, especially drought, increasing floods and floods, erosion.

We should preserve our forest assets and increase their numbers against drought

Today when we experience the effects of the climate crisis as drought, the importance of forests in terms of fresh water supply is increasing rapidly. Pointing out that water, like our forests, is an indispensable natural asset for human health, Ms. Deniz Ataç said, “The analyses show that 30% of the water basins covered with forests produce 25% more water than the basins with less forest. This means that water production in that basin may continue for longer periods, and it may be an advantage for the continuation of water assets in that region, especially during dry periods. However, as a result of the destruction of forest cover due to forest fires and changes in the land use, the cycle of water, that is, its continuous movement between the earth and the atmosphere, is disrupted. Access to clean and sufficient fresh water, which is vital for all living things, becomes difficult due to wrong policies in the management of water assets.”

Ms. Ataç said, “Conservation policies should be developed to establish the right of access to clean and sufficient fresh water in our country, which is considered to be “water scarce”. In order to become resistant to drought due to the climate crisis and to sustain life, all kinds of activities that will cause shrinkage of forest areas, deterioration of forest cover or damage to the integrity of the forest ecosystem should be abandoned, as well as the protection of our forests.

We are raising hope!                                                                           TEMA Foundation